Curiosity arises regarding the efficacy of the education curriculum in Florida as April brings in National Autism Awareness Month. According to a report by the Florida Department of Education, only 30% of students in the state with learning disabilities are reading at grade level by the end of third grade, significantly lagging compared to their peers.
The Florida Department of Education also reported nearly 15% of students in the state are identified as having learning disabilities. Despite this significant portion of the student population, there are growing apprehensions that the current curriculum fails to sufficiently address their educational requirements.
Audrey Lewis, a retired Gadsden County educator, said that it is important for parents to advocate for their children. Lewis also said that both regular and special education teachers must collaborate in helping their students achieve academic success.
“The most powerful thing is parents advocating for their children,” Lewis told The Famuan. “If students are pulled out for learning disabilities, that regular education teacher and ESE teacher should meet in their planning hours.”
The repercussions of an ineffective curriculum extend far beyond the classroom. Students with learning disabilities often struggle with self-esteem issues, social integration and long-term academic success.
Furthermore, the disparity in educational outcomes between students with and without learning disabilities is alarming. Data from the National Center for Learning Disabilities indicates that only 65% of students with learning disabilities graduate from high school, compared to the national average of 85%.
Despite this significant portion of the student population, there are growing apprehensions that the current curriculum fails to sufficiently address their educational requirements. In many cases, these students are left to navigate complex academic material without the necessary accommodations and modifications.
Destiny Macon, a dental hygiene student, said that her parents had issues finding educators who catered to her sibling’s disability. Macon said it is difficult when each student must be taught a specific kind of learning style.
“When we first moved, my mom and dad had a hard time finding someone willing to work with my brother,” Macon said. “It can be overwhelming to teach a class of students that all have different learning styles.”
As Florida grapples with these pressing issues, the need to prioritize the educational needs of students with learning disabilities cannot be overstated. By investing in inclusive and effective curriculum, every child can be given the opportunity to succeed and thrive in Florida’s public schools.